Originally called “Decoration Day”, origins are traced back to the Civil War and the activities of Southern Women decorating graves. The first official observation, though, was May 30, 1868. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a National Holiday by Congress, who established not May 30, but the last Monday in May as the official date.

In some ways, it feels odd to be in the DFW area instead of the DC area, as I have been blessed to spend Memorial Day in DC for four of the past six years. I was in DC last week, though, and was able to spend some time at The Navy Memorial as well as Arlington National Cemetery.    Two favorite spots of mine.    Both, spaces to remember those who have given their lives in service to our Country.  Both with very personal meaning.

During the weekend, I hope you take the time to pause a moment and say a thanks to those in which we honor on Memorial Day.

(Photos are Mine, Taken Around Washington DC.  First four photos are Arlington National Cemetery.  The rest of the photos:  Navy Memorial, WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Pentagon 9/11 Memorial)

I gave full reign to my Gypsy Soul and Workaholic Personality on my birthday:  boarded a plane at 5:45 AM and was in a meeting in Philadelphia by 12:30 and ended the day with a dinner meeting, which put me getting to bed around 1 AM.  It was a good way to spend my birthday:  working hard and sliding between decadent Frette linens at one of my favorite hotel chains at the end of a long and satisfying day.

Not the ideal day for most, but for me, it worked.  I was so thankful for the good work with a wonderful (and new) client.  A new client is a wonderful birthday gift!

The following day, I boarded a train and headed down to DC where I was able to combine work for a couple of different clients with catch-up meals with friends.   I saw a wonderful play at Ford’s Theatre with a dear friend and wound my way through a couple of exhibits at the National Portrait Gallery.   I was also able to visit a special grave at Arlington National Cemetery during my trip, something I missed on my more harried trip into DC in early April.

There is something about being on hallowed ground that allows me to reconnect with my spiritual side.

My 41st year was tumultuous and stressful.  My 42nd year will be about the continual improvement of the soul.  Under my terms.  Following my rules.  Keeping in mind that I must continue to rebuild my faith and face it with courage.

(The photo is mine, taken May 20, 2010, Arlington National Cemetery)

(Union Square, San Francisco, CA, April 2010)

This lantern is found along the tidal basin and is lit during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

(Hotel Palomar, Chicago)

San Francisco to Alameda, Bay Bridge, April 2010

Blind man playing music in the MUNI/BART entryway, San Francisco, CA, April 2010

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(this photo taken in September 2008; not much has changed since then)

I didn’t get to spend as much time there as I would have liked, but part of traveling over a holiday weekend and having family obligations means less down time. In a typical trip to DC, I would have planned to stay through late Sunday or early Monday. With my mom’s illness, I needed to be home for lunch. But I digress.

The spring air combined with a much needed cocktail got my head wrapped around what needs to be accomplished during the month of April. I set about doing a bit of woolgathering and discovered that my wish list is quite long. Still, I allowed my mind to wander as I sat in the garden and thought about work and wants and needs and the need to reintroduce some creativity back into my daily life. Brief moments aren’t conducive to a real brain dump, so I saved that until my flight home.

After breakfast was served and I was enjoying my 3rd cup of coffee, I sat with pen and paper and begin listing everything that had gathered in my mind.    When you end up with a laundry list of to-dos and must-dos, getting a real control over it can be a task so daunting that it’s almost paralyzing. As overwhelming as it can be, the only way to make progress is to break it down into chunks and eat it like you would an elephant: one bite at a time.

April is going to be an interesting month.  I already had the beginnings of heavier than usual travel and with the (potential) new contract, that means three days a week on the road.  It’s the kind of travel I like:  solid contract with the ability to find my way around a new town and make it “mine”.  Granted, I’d love that city to be a city like DC, but to be honest, I’m thrilled with wherever work takes me.  (I can tell you that there is no Kimpton Hotel in this city – there isn’t even a single Hilton Property in the town!).

Just keep good thoughts headed my way as I break down my laundry list into those manageable bites and set out to conquer the little piece of my world!

This week, work has brought me to DC, which is my favorite place to be. I won’t be able to get out and do all the things I’d like to do (I don’t think I will make it to Arlington Cemetery this trip), but I did get an opportunity for some things.

After a rough winter, DC was blessed today with clear skies, light winds, temperatures in the low 80′s, and unadulterated beauty. The crowds are pretty intense with the peak of the blossoms and a holiday weekend. But I was blessed to be able to see the true beauty that Mother Nature offers us in the Spring.

Hope you are well.  It’s long past my bedtime.

My favorite city in the Spring: Washington DC, April 2008.